The suit has its root in a comment allegedly posted by Borlenghi — an acting teacher at Gray Studios L.A., run by Winter's sister, Shanelle Workman Gray — in response to an L.A. Times blog story about the upheaval surrounding Winter and her family. The story involved an allegation by Workman that Winter's 18-year-old boyfriend had engaged in unlawful sex with the 14-year-old Winter, who plays Alex Dunphy on the hit ABC comedy.

"This is a total falsehood," Borlenghi posted in response, according to the suit, which was filed Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court. "The mother is grasping and clawing to find a way not to lose her money-maker, and hide the fact that she is an abusive monster. Having spent time with her, and seeing the way she acted adoringly towards the boy, these accusations are disgusting, just as she is."

Borlenghi's credits include the film "Nightmare on Elm Street 5" and TBS's "Police Academy" series.